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General Discussion => Q&A Section => Topic started by: ClaytonBirchenough on 12/10/2013 05:13 pm

Title: Regulations concerning the launching of rockets Q&A
Post by: ClaytonBirchenough on 12/10/2013 05:13 pm

So I am aware that their are many regulations regarding the launching of rockets both orbital and suborbital. If I understand correctly, the FAA governs orbital and suborbital rocket launches from U.S. soil.

How different are regulations in other countries versus the U.S.?

What kinds of permits do you need to obtain and what "processes" do you need to go through to be allowed to legally launch a rocket (specifically from U.S. soil)?

Also, who governs launches in international waters?

Title: Re: Regulations concerning the launching of rockets Q&A
Post by: Jim on 12/10/2013 05:43 pm

Quote from: ClaytonBirchenough on 12/10/2013 05:13 pm

1.  So I am aware that their are many regulations regarding the launching of rockets both orbital and suborbital. If I understand correctly, the FAA governs orbital and suborbital rocket launches from U.S. soil.

How different are regulations in other countries versus the U.S.?

2.  What kinds of permits do you need to obtain and what "processes" do you need to go through to be allowed to legally launch a rocket (specifically from U.S. soil)?

3.  Also, who governs launches in international waters?

1. Only from non federal ranges.  The owner of the federal range determines the regs.

2.  A launch license from the FAA
http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/regulations/

3.  The country of the company that is launching the rocket.

Title: Re: Regulations concerning the launching of rockets Q&A
Post by: ClaytonBirchenough on 12/10/2013 08:12 pm

Quote from: Jim on 12/10/2013 05:43 pm

2.  A launch license from the FAA
http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/regulations/

I went to the link you posted and then clicked on "Part 420 -- License to Operate a Launch Site" under "Subchapter C -- Licensing". It mentions this in section 420.3 Applicabillity:

Quote

§420.3   Applicability.
This part applies to any person seeking a license to operate a launch site or to a person licensed under this part. A person operating a site that only supports amateur rocket activities as defined in 14 CFR 1.1, does not need a license under this part to operate the site.§420.3   Applicability.
This part applies to any person seeking a license to operate a launch site or to a person licensed under this part. A person operating a site that only supports amateur rocket activities as defined in 14 CFR 1.1, does not need a license under this part to operate the site.

My question is what defines "amateur rocket activities"? I'm having trouble finding what it's reffering to by "14 CFR 1.1".

Title: Re: Regulations concerning the launching of rockets Q&A
Post by: QuantumG on 12/10/2013 08:23 pm

Quote from: ClaytonBirchenough on 12/10/2013 08:12 pm

My question is what defines "amateur rocket activities"? I'm having trouble finding what it's reffering to by "14 CFR 1.1".

http://www.nar.org/cabinet/waiverinst.html

Title: Re: Regulations concerning the launching of rockets Q&A
Post by: ClaytonBirchenough on 12/10/2013 09:50 pm

Quote from: QuantumG on 12/10/2013 08:23 pm

http://www.nar.org/cabinet/waiverinst.html

So any rocket operating with a motor with less than 40,960 N-s total impulse is an amateur rocket?

(I'm just making sure I'm getting this right...  ::) )

Title: Re: Regulations concerning the launching of rockets Q&A
Post by: QuantumG on 12/10/2013 09:53 pm

Quote from: ClaytonBirchenough on 12/10/2013 09:50 pm

Quote from: QuantumG on 12/10/2013 08:23 pm

http://www.nar.org/cabinet/waiverinst.html

So any rocket operating with a motor with less than 40,960 N-s total impulse is an amateur rocket?

(I'm just making sure I'm getting this right...  ::) )

Without a person on it, yeah.

Title: Re: Regulations concerning the launching of rockets Q&A
Post by: ClaytonBirchenough on 12/10/2013 10:24 pm

Quote from: QuantumG on 12/10/2013 09:53 pm

Without a person on it, yeah.

Alright, thanks.